Cookeville, Tenn. --- The Tennessee State University softball team defeated Tennessee Tech, 4-1, in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Tech Softball Field.

Tennessee State snapped an 11-game losing skid and improved to 7-17 (1-2 OVC) while Tennessee Tech moved to 9-8 (2-1 OVC).

Caitlin Eaton (4-6) had an impressive showing in the circle. She only allowed three hits and one walk while recording five strikeouts. Jill Gardner (1-for-3) and Tedra Alford (1-for-3) led TSU with two RBI apiece while Alford also recorded her second homerun of the season.

The game was scoreless through the first two innings. TSU got on the board in the top of the third when Tedra Alford smashed a solo homerun over the left center wall. The next two batters walked to put runners on first and second for TSU.

The Tigers continued to rally when Jill Gardner smacked a double to right field to drive in two runs.

In the bottom of the frame, Tech answered with one run to cut into TSU's lead, 3-1.

In the top of the fifth, Caitlin Eaton hit a long ball just inside the centerfield fence for a double. The Tigers could not capitalize though as Eaton was left stranded on base.

In the bottom of the sixth, Tennessee Tech threatened after an error and a walk put runners on base. Caitlin Eaton, however, retired the next batter to get out of the inning unscathed.

Katye Brown came in to pinch hit in the top of the seventh and singled to center field before Shanika Johnson singled in nearly the same spot to get on. Both runners advanced to second and third on a wild pitch.

Jasmine Brimm came in to run for Brown and later scored on a groundout by Tedra Alford to put TSU up, 4-1.

In the bottom of the seventh, Caitlin Eaton struck out the first batter before getting the next two batters to pop out and groundout, respectively, to end the inning.

Tennessee State finished the game with five hits and two errors while Tennessee Tech tallied hits three with no errors.

The Tigers return to action at home on Tuesday, March 15 against SEC member No. 7 Tennessee. The single game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start at Tiger Field.